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That Ending!!!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-01-25

OK I knew going into this series that these authors are known for their crazy cliffhangers that can rip out your heart and leave you desperate for the next book in the series. I finally got to that point in this story with that crazy wild ride of an ending. I was left absolutely speechless as I listened to Bridget and Jake Bordeaux bring this story to life. My heart was pulled straight from my chest and left me gasping in despair.

This book was rough in the emotional department as Tory has to face the consequences of her rejecting her mate. But more than that, she has to face that she runs from her emotions instead of having the backbone to confront her true situation. I was not sure she would grow but this book proved me wrong. She finally started her own transformation and was becoming the Fae her sister and kingdom needed her to be. And her final sacrifice, BROKE MY HEART. Bridget bringing that whole ending to life had me in tears and unable to do anything but listen in rapt attention.

And Jake bringing about the heartache and pure frustration that Darius had to face in this story was unmatched. He did a brilliant job of bringing so many emotions to life. I felt everything from the highs to the lows through this story with the talent of these narrators. I am stuck on this ending because it left me in a state of stunned silence why I tried to comprehend what just happened.

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The Twists and Turns Happening Here

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-01-25

I will admit that I was nervous with how this story was going to unfold but I am hooked into this story. I love the various voices and emotions Jake Bordeaux brought to life with all the male characters he is voicing. He did a fantastic job bringing to life all the characters and giving them their own personal details. I could feel the emotional struggles happening between Darius and Orion throughout this story. Not to mention, Jake created the right amount of smug and ego to balance out the rest of the Heirs.

And Bridget Bordeaux was brilliant as the voice of the Vega Twins. She was the right balance of keeping them identical while still separating them into their own personality. She brought so much life and emotion into the story; I love listening to the story. As each sister must face their turmoil and roadblocks, I felt hooked into the story. Even with that rough ending, I could feel the despair and frustration from Tory.

That cliffhanger of an ending was brought to life from these narrators that I felt every moment as it unfolded. I felt myself glued to the story waiting to see how it would all unfold. My heart broke alongside Darius and my fear matched Darcy as she fought to keep Orion alive. I was so hooked onto this story that I had to jump into book 5.

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It's the Irish Accent

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-01-25

Thank you, Joe Arden and Lucy Rivers, for bringing to life Sloan and Rowan. I loved the banter between these two and I understood their dark humor and connection. Yes, there was some dark themes in this book, it should be expected with this story following two serial killers. However, I liked that each of them was a serial killer of truly foul serial killers.

Their meet cute would only work between them and leave others in years of therapy. But for them, it was a fun interaction that neither of them would forget. Plus, it gave the bonus opportunity for Rowan to create their yearly hunt and game. It was clear that he fell for the girl, but Sloane was more shy and timid when dealing with her emotions. She was so fiercely independent and used to living a bit of a lonely life outside of her best friend Lark. Her past had left dark marks on her that she was simply trying to find a balance between her need of violence and not letting it control her life.

And the voice acting from Lucy Rivers highlighted Sloane's emotional turmoil and internal struggles well. I felt all the emotions of this character. I also loved the laughter and flirting that Rivers brought to life. She was the perfect voice for Sloan. Then of course, we were granted the voice talents of Joe Arden as Rowan. Talk about perfection!! The growls and accent were everything I needed and then some. He gave so much depth to Rowan and understanding of his own dark nature. I laughed with these characters and cheered them on through their yearly competition. I definitely won't look at cookies and cream ice cream the same.

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Whoa What a Bully Romance

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-11-25

This book took me on a magic ride, and I was not expecting that ending. I am so happy that the male narrator, Jake Bordeaux, switched up his tones when reading the chapters of the Heirs. I am happy to announce he was not using the whiny voice from Book 1.5 for Seth or Max.

Instead, he created more enjoyable voices that was easier to listen to. I fell deep into the story and was hooked. I caught myself wanting to listen to this story at all times. Thank goodness I have great headphones with a long battery life. The biggest difference between Zodiac Academy and Harry Potter is that you get more character development instead of their magical knowledge. That is a secondary aspect to the bigger story of who will take the throne. By this book it very much is the Heirs versus the Vega Twins.

I loved that the Twins finally confront their inner Fae and take a stance. They realized they could make the Heirs life miserable in the background by being a lot more subtle but the strike just as powerful. And I'm convinced Darius must have pissed off the stars with how often he keeps going down the wrong path. He needs to get his stuff in order before it causes even more damage. He breaks my heart knowing everything that is happening and what he is dealing with.

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Needed a Moment to Get Used to the Voices

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-11-25

I made sure to listen to this book in tangent with The Awakening. It shared so many details on what was happening in the background. The Awakening is originally only told by the Vega Twins, and there is so much more happening then they even knew. The pressure the Heirs are under is extreme, especially for Darious and Lance. So many secrets and questions coming to the surface, with answers being withheld.

My issue with this story was the change of voices for the other Heirs. I couldn't stand the nasal whine that represented Seth. That was too irritating for myself, it made me dislike the character even more. I'm happy that in the following books, that whine is not kept. Thank you for not keeping that going, it was a distraction.

I give narrators mad props for bringing to life characters, emotions, and life to the story. But the changes in this book was a distraction rather than enjoyable. When the Heirs were having emotional meltdowns is sounded more like a tantrum rather than being misled by their parents. It brought out some serious anger towards the Heirs, even knowing the pressure they were against.

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Love the Story, Struggled w/ Darius

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-11-25

I'm not sure why I struggled with Jake's performance of Darius in this audiobook. But it was a struggle to enjoy his voice, it felt too deep and off. It's hard for me to explain as it felt like he was trying to speak from low in his belly. It was a bit distracting despite how much I enjoyed this story. I felt like this was a great starting point to understanding Zodiac Academy and Darius Acrux.

My heart broke for Lance Orion, but this story makes more sense on why he doesn't get to follow his dreams. It gave me a lot more background. It also sets the stage for what is happening with Darius and his fellow Heirs. This is a quick story but needed if you go down the Zodiac Academy rabbit hole.

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Can We Talk About That Ending?

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-19-25

Holy bats, Rebecca Yarros has completely taken over my heart with this story and these characters. I enjoyed that Violet and her quest squad have to travel through the isles looking for Andarna's family and a way to end the war they've been at for centuries. I loved getting to know a few characters further. Let's be real, Ridoc is starting to steal a lot of hearts with his playful banter, his crazy antics (including with his dragon), and his need to have his squad see him as warrior and not just the jokester.

I loved that we got to see Sawyer make a comeback from the crazy ending of book 2. Not to mention, Cat finally has a moment to move past Xaden. I just loved these characters and the bonds they have formed while trying to graduate their war college. There are so many secrets being unveiled that I will absolutely be relistening to this story while trying to not cry while knowing the wait for book 4 might take some time.

And for the first time, Rebecca gave us a few extra bonus chapters with other characters outside of Xaden and Violet. I am not OK after reading Imogen's chapter. That moment was heartbreakingly beautiful and left even more questions. I am with Dain Aetos in wanting to know all the little secrets that till not had been kept under lock and key. I'm not sure that I enjoyed the new voices, there was just a little something off. It was a nice change but felt a little lacking. But Teddy Hamilton as Xaden leaves me speechless. This narrator brings so much emotion and feeling to these bonus chapters that I had goosebumps listening. He may be the reason I had to find more audiobooks he has done because I am hooked.

And that ending with Xaden, again Rebecca, took my heart and shattered it. It's a different kind of heartbreak that left me stunned in silence. I want to have hope that things will resolve themselves because I refuse to think otherwise. Despite the heartbreak and mind twist, I laughed so hard throughout this book. I love these characters, and I refuse to take criticism. It may not be your type of story but for me, this was everything I love in a romantasy. Now if only book 4 will get here sooner than later, I need some reassurance after that ending.

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A New Version of Dragon Riders

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-27-25

I am absolutely addicted to this story and series. This narrator did a fabulous job of bringing this story to life. I loved hearing her give emotion to Violet as she is forced to enter the Dragon Rider quadrant when she had always thought she would become a scribe. And this narrator gave just as much emotion and separation between the side characters.

This story can either drag you into the world of the Empyrean or you're left behind. I appreciated the audiobook because there were so many names, I would have absolutely got it wrong. I would have made a mess of the names and cities. And honestly, I felt like I could watch this story unfold while listening. I was drawn so deeply into this world that I was thankful the second book was available.

And honestly, Teddy Hamilton was the perfect voice for Xaden. I loved getting those bonus chapters and secretly want/need more of his narration. This was the right choice of narrators to tell this story.

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